The Namakkal District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered the Namakkal Municipal Corporation (NMC) to pay INR 50,000 to Tamilselvi, a petitioner, for poor service in delimiting her unoccupied land. Tamilselvi filed for the delimitation scheme in 2021, paid the fees, and provided the requisite documentation. Despite several follow-ups and payments, the delimitation order was never granted. The NCDRC found that NMC's delay to act caused significant anguish and inconvenience to the petitioner and ruled in her favor, ordering that the compensation be given within four weeks of the ruling.
In a recent ruling, the Namakkal District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) directed the Namakkal Municipal Corporation (NMC) to pay compensation of INR 50,000 to a petitioner for providing inadequate service. The case revolved around the corporation's failure to issue a delimitation order for a vacant plot, despite multiple applications and payments made by the petitioner, Tamilselvi.
First reported by ET Realty, the issue began in February 2021, when Tamilselvi, a resident of Karuveppampatty in Namakkal district, applied for the Tamil Nadu government's delimitation project. She had purchased a 3,200-square-foot unoccupied property within the corporation's boundaries in 2000 and was requesting permission to regularize the unauthorized plot. According to the plan, Tamilselvi paid a registration fee of INR 500 and submitted the necessary paperwork to the NMC. The application was then referred to the assistant director of urban development for approval.
In May 2021, the NMC received a letter from the directorate authorizing the corporation to collect delimitation and development fees and issue the delimitation order. However, Tamilselvi's husband, Karthikeyan, who followed up with the NMC multiple times, received no answer from the corporation's authorities. The couple was eventually told to reapply for delimitation. Tamilselvi reapplied in August 2021, paid the registration money, and provided all required documentation. By October 2021, she had paid INR 26,820 for the development charge, INR 74,500 for the delimitation fee, and another INR 500 for the Flag Day money. Despite making all of the necessary contributions, the NMC failed to issue the delimitation orders.
Frustrated with the delay and lack of communication, Tamilselvi approached the NCDRC in April 2023, filing a complaint against the municipal corporation for its failure to deliver the promised service. The NCDRC examined both sides of the case, with the petitioner arguing that the corporation's inaction had caused significant distress and inconvenience.
The NCDRC panel, comprising Judge V. Ramaraj and members R. Ramola and N. Lakshmanan, concluded that the NMC had failed to provide adequate service to the petitioner. They highlighted that despite Tamilselvi fulfilling all the necessary requirements, including making payments, the delimitation order had not been issued. The commission determined that the corporation's handling of the case had caused unnecessary hardship and inconvenience to the petitioner. As a result, the NCDRC ordered the Namakkal Municipal Corporation to compensate Tamilselvi with INR 50,000 for the distress caused by their negligence. The ruling further mandated that the compensation be paid within four weeks of the judgment.
In conclusion, the NCDRC's ruling highlights the importance of accountability and timely service delivery by municipal authorities. By directing the Namakkal Municipal Corporation to compensate Tamilselvi for their negligence, the commission reaffirmed the rights of citizens to receive prompt and adequate responses to their requests. This case highlights the need for governmental bodies to prioritize effective communication and service efficiency to prevent similar grievances in the future.
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